Taliban on Monday detained at least 70 money changers in the western province of Herat, local sources said.
The individuals, who operated as street vendors, were arrested for not having the required business licenses, sources told Amu TV.
In August, the Taliban imposed new regulations for money changers in Herat, which many in the industry say are difficult to meet. According to the money changers, the Taliban demanded a guarantee of 6.5 million Afghanis to continue operating.
The new rules have sparked protests among Herat’s money changers. In August, protesters said the Taliban had shut down nearly 80 percent of the exchange shops in Herat’s currency market.
Another requirement for operating a money exchange business, according to the money changers, is to provide a bank statement showing a balance of more than five million Afghanis.
